We chat to Neat Burger co-founder Zack Bishti ahead of its opening

Why YY? How an iconic building is being refreshed

opening up

visit these venues from April 12

Whether it’s wine, waxing, weighlifting or a wild mop that needs taming, these businesses are all standing ready to help out

Where?

Mackenzie Walk Canary Wharf

WINE | Humble Grape

Set to reopen its terrace for outdoor dining and drinks on April 12, this wine shop, bar and restaurant is taking bookings now.

Scan this code for more information on Humble Grape or to make a booking

Where?

Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

HAIR | Jon Hala

We probably all need a little grooming after the latest, gruelling period of lockdown. Fortunately Jon and his team are ready and waiting to rescue.

Scan this code for more information about Jon Hala or to make a booking

Where?

Jubilee Place Canary Wharf

FITNESS | Awakn

The brand has launched its Reloaded Pack for £110 o ering unlimited outdoor training from Mar 29, gym from April 12 and classes from May 17.

Scan this code for more info on the o er, which covers training in April and May or more on Awakn

Where?

One Canada Square Canary Wharf

GROOMING | Perfect Waxing

O ering a full range of services, for women and men, this beauty salon is located right at the heart of the estate and is taking bookings now.

Scan this code for more information about Perfect Waxing or to make a booking

tidy the alternative

how Neat Burger is expanding across London with a branch set to open in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Place in June

by Jon Massey

The products pictured on these pages may look similar to those served by Shake Shack and Five Guys. But they’re Neat, not meat. Backed by F1 plant-based powerhouse Lewis Hamilton, who turned vegan in , edgling fast food chain Neat Burger launched in 2019 with a clear mission – to become the largest plant-based restaurant brand in the world. To that end, it’s already expanding rapidly, setting up “cloud kitchens” across the capital to serve the home delivery market.

Having already launched one in Blackwall to cover east London, Neat is also set to open a restaurant in Cabot Place in June. art of the Cream roup, known for running nightclubs and bars, co-founder ack ishti said We specialise in immersive hospitality and I’ve carried that into the DNA of eat asking how we can take a standard operation and inject some excitement into it. We’re all about escapism creating an experience that’s more than just a transaction.”

The idea behind Neat is to capitalise on the growing trend away from eating meat by offering a plant-based alternative that appeals to carnivores and the increasing number of e itarians We felt that was the real story, said ack eople who are trying to eat less meat, whether it’s for the environment, for animals or for their health.

“That really excited us because we’d seen it in so many people we knew. For many, many years there was this demand but I think the products weren’t up to scratch.

“There were always compromises that had to be made. As humans we’re fickle and we often don’t like that We launched in the right place at the right time – the products are great now. think they are like-for-like you can have the best of both worlds.”

That eat looks and feels like the chains at the premium end of the burger market is no coincidence – its aim is to tempt and convert customers with familiar sounding products. When it comes to the menu we have seven hero items that have been born of nostalgia the taste you get from a classic burger, said ack You’ve got the right cheesy, meaty avours and a great our bun t’s one of the things that drove our business before anything – getting the products right. What we have are great core items that you crave that comfort that you want from a burger Whether you’re coming back from a night out or you’re hungover on a Sunday and want some Deliveroo – Neat Burger is your go-to place.” ack believes the time is now right for plant-based burgers to take on the heavyweight, international brands. e said We want food that’s going to hug you, that itches that spot, that’s delicious. While our plant-based burgers are healthier than meat, you can’t survive on them alone – only as

For many, many years there was demand but I think the products weren’t up to scratch. Now they are like-for-like – the best of both worlds

Zack Bishti, Neat Burger

£6.49

Price for a standard cheese burger at Neat (50p more for spice)

Nuggets that have never been near a bird

Neat’s meatless Chick’n Burger

part of a balanced diet. But it’s when you look at the water usage and the land required to create a kilo of meat it gets scary.

“Also, I don’t know if it’s because we’ve got puppies, but there’s real weight in the decision to eat meat, for me.

“I think now, with social media those messages hit home harder than ever and you really start to understand the importance of the decisions you make, particularly when it comes to your food choices. That’s why we’re now seeing a space where commerce and consciousness can meet.

“Businesses have historically had to compromise and sacrifi ce but now we’re at a place where you don’t. You can make decisions where you’re not ethically compromised. “There’s a drum that’s been beating for a long time and people are beginning to hear it louder and louder. More and more are marching to the same tune.

“We’re starting to look at the world beyond our generation and making decisions like this is part of the story. We want to prove to people that it’s a lot easier than they think to give up meat.

“My personal favourite on the menu is the chick’n When fi rst tried it I was a bit scared, I thought I was being pranked when our culinary team brought it to me.

I think it does a great, great job of being a meat alternative. That’s shared by our Filet-No-Fish. They both are frighteningly similar to the real thing.

“My long term stance is bullish. I think going out, eating together and drinking together is not going away. I think there’s huge pent up demand. If you’ve got the ambition and you’re confi dent enough, I think it’s going to be good when we open up.”

Neat is also taking further steps to help the planet, promising to plant a tree for each sale it makes.

“We work with Eden Reforestation Projects and we love what they’re doing,” said Zack. “I’d hate to do an inauthentic initiative.

“But Eden really sat well with us – it felt like something we could really keep up for the distance. Big changes happen with consistent application – lots of small steps repeated.”

Neat Burger likes to reinforce its messages via the packaging of its products Scan this code for more on Neat Burger